The Real John McCain: Hagel!

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Senator Hagel, the real John McCain:

There will be no victory or defeat for the United States in Iraq. These terms do not reflect the reality of what is going to happen there. The future of Iraq was always going to be determined by the Iraqis -- not the Americans.

Iraq is not a prize to be won or lost. It is part of the ongoing global struggle against instability, brutality, intolerance, extremism and terrorism. There will be no military victory or military solution for Iraq. Former secretary of state Henry Kissinger made this point last weekend.

The time for more U.S. troops in Iraq has passed. We do not have more troops to send and, even if we did, they would not bring a resolution to Iraq. Militaries are built to fight and win wars, not bind together failing nations. We are once again learning a very hard lesson in foreign affairs: America cannot impose a democracy on any nation -- regardless of our noble purpose.

We have misunderstood, misread, misplanned and mismanaged our honorable intentions in Iraq with an arrogant self-delusion reminiscent of Vietnam. Honorable intentions are not policies and plans. Iraq belongs to the 25 million Iraqis who live there. They will decide their fate and form of government.

Hagel is the only Republican straight shooter. Hagel is the only Republican patriot who will not besmirch the honor of his opponents or their love of country. Hagel is the only Republican who debates the issues rather than resorting to the "Cut and Run" talking points. Hagel is the only Republican maverick. I would weep with relief if the 2008 Presidential contest turned into Hagel v Democrat.